Page 37 - DENG102_COMMUNICATION_SKILLS_II

Communication Skills-II

Notes z z Most of the world’s literary and artistic works have been written in languages other than
English. A translation of a text can never be fully true to the intent, beauty, style, and
uniqueness of its original.

z z When you are able to read in another language without having to stop and translate every
other word, then you have mastered the language. Research shows that knowledge of other
languages boosts students’ understanding of languages in general and enables students to
use their native language more effectively.
z z Learning another language gives the learner the ability to step inside the mind and context
of that other culture. Without the ability to communicate and understand a culture on its
own terms, true access to that culture is barred.
z z As globalization and mobility and communications are bringing the world ever closer together,
ever more urgent is the need for global citizens to be competent in other languages.
z z Learning a second language also acts as an added benefit if you tend to travel a lot to
foreign countries.

Example: If you speak Spanish well, you get an added advantage while travelling to Latin
countries or if you speak English then you get advantage in most of the countries of the world.
Because learning a language involves a variety of learning skills, studying a foreign language can
enhance one’s ability to learn and function in several other areas. People who have learned foreign
languages show greater cognitive development in areas such as mental flexibility, creativity, and
higher order thinking skills, such as problem-solving, conceptualizing, and reasoning.
Learning another language and culture gives you the unique opportunity of seeing yourself and
your own culture from an outside perspective. There are aspects of your language, yourself, your
life, and your own culture that you accept as absolute and universal or that you have never even
considered until you encounter a culture and people who do things in a much different way than
you’re used to.

Self Assessment

State whether the following statements are true or false:
1. When learning a foreign language, patience and devotion is required.
2. Regular reading and listening to audio tapes will take you closer to the foreign language.

3. A teacher can teach you become fluent at a foreign language.
4. While learning a foreign language, you should learn one word at a time.
5. At first, you should try to learn the language by yourself rather than enrolling in an
institute.
6. Learning another language gives the learner the ability to step inside the mind and context
of that other culture.

2.2 Careers and Foreign Language

If businesses are to effectively compete in a global economy, they must learn to deal with other
cultures on their own terms. Companies that plan to do business abroad therefore have a dire need
for bilingual or multilingual employees. Businesses that intend to compete internationally need
employees who can competently communicate in the locales where they do business. Employees
who speak one language can communicate only with people who speak that same language.

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